4th Sunday of Advent, 12/19/2021, Jerusalem Lutheran Church

Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in Holy Communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord’s death.” Prayer of the Day First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel: Luke 1:39-46a Hymn of the Day: "Canticle of the Turning" ELW Hymnal # 723 From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License with Video Streaming # SAS000730. From CCLI. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Christian Copyright Licensing Internaltion, Inc. # 11247411. Reprinted/ podcast/ streamed with permission under OneLicense # A-735134. All rights reserved.